Harms Caused by Monoculture

High levels of biodiversity are essential in order for forests to perform the essential functions that they do in regulating the global water cycle, quantities and quality of fresh water, production of oxygen and climatic stability. Although forests are absolutely essential in regards to freshwater and climate, monoculture plantations do not have the same ecological properties as natural forests. Contrary to being beneficial, they often exacerbate water, desertification and climate related problems. They have frequently been referred to as ‘green deserts’.

Mixed native mountain forests and rainforests are far more than simply carbon sinks, land cover and erosion prevention mechanisms. They are irreplaceable parts of a global system and fundamental in regulating and maintaining freshwater and climate worldwide.

It is also alarming to see that often, even in the name of environmental conservation, modern reforestation follows a basic monoculture approach. This approach may be convenient and rational for planning and short-term cost efficiency, yet it overlooks the local populace along with the innumerable globally significant benefits and services provided by biodiversity rich forests.Biodiversity is a prerequisite of a healthy natural forest. A monoculture plantation is something very different from this. It does not support varied wildlife and often large-scale monoculture-plantations, particularly those of genetically modified trees, have significant negative environmental and social impacts that affect the whole world.

To an unknowing observer looking at an area of green trees, it may not be easy to see the essential difference. Yet there is a clear difference when one looks closer at the surrounding land, soil, water tables, wildlife, precipitation, local community living conditions, erosion, agricultural growing conditions etc. Biodiversity-rich forests are beneficial and supportive to the above listed, whereas monoculture plantations are detrimental to them.

It is unfortunate that there is not a clear definition of ‘forests’ when it comes to things such as funding for sustainable development reforestation projects. It is apparent that monoculture plantations are not long-term sustainable. Yet in the absence of a proper definition of forests, the REDD mechanism is also being used to fund the expansion of monoculture plantations, even though they have been shown to be environmentally damaging. Primeval forests full of biodiversity have also been cut and turned into monoculture plantations for immediate fast profits for a few and great losses for the many.

Another harmful impact of monoculture plantations is the large quantities of agrochemicals that are often used on them. This causes considerable contamination and deterioration of soils and watersheds and has serious negative impacts on human health in rural communities. The local and indigenous communities that live in the vicinity of forests are very important because they are the natural forest stewards. It is thus disturbing that many plantation companies have violated the land rights of indigenous peoples. The plantations are often restricted areas that provide no benefits or natural resources for the local communities.

This means that water will become scarcer, the cost of water will vastly increase and local climate will become even more unstable worldwide. All our lives are being affected right now to greater or lesser degrees. We must start seeing the symbiotic connections of all life on Earth and not let this mindless destruction continue. No amount of profit for a few is worth the suffering of billions and the loss of future generations.